Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 183

Magnus had barely finished speaking.

A flicker of hurt flashed in Isadora's eyes.

She wondered if she'd lost her mind-why else would she let herself hope, even

for a second, that Magnus might choose her this time?

But Elise's eyes lit up with triumph. The corners of her lips curled into a sly, satisfied smile as she shot Isadora a sideways glance. That look said everything: "Isadora, you'll always be the loser here."

The kidnappers dragged Elise forward. One of them quickly stooped to scoop up the bag of cash, then shoved her ahead.

The moment they loosened their grip, Elise darted straight into Magnus's arms, wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, and buried her head in his chest. "Magnus, thank you I knew you'd never abandon me," she whispered.

Magnus stood stiffly, arms hanging rigid at his sides, radiating a barely contained fury. He didn't return Elise's embrace; his fists clenched so tight his knuckles whitened.

In that instant, he thought he saw a fleeting mix of scorn and disappointment in Isadora's gaze.

Magnus's heart had never hurt like this. It felt as if a blade had been driven straight through it, leaving him raw and trembling, his whole body wracked with pain.

that he was losing

Isadora back toward the narrow, winding

was settling fast. The kidnappers knew the area well. If they managed to slip away now, it would be almost impossible for anyone to find

heavy black duffel bag stuffed with cash, grinning at the sight of thick bundles of bills. Jackpot. Magnus must be out

stumbled as they pulled her along, her hands twisting against the ropes,

then turned to Gideon. "Take care of Elise!" he ordered, thrusting her into Gideon's arms before sprinting after

wait-Magnus...!" Elise called after

laugh. "Let him go.

promised: after they got their money, they'd make sure Isadora

Gideon. I won't forget everything you've done for me. You're the second man

risk had been worth it. He wrapped his arms

*

other side

yanking on the

passed you over, not once but twice. Why don't you just come with us instead?"

Gideon: once they got paid, Isadora was as good as dead. Still, now that

hustled her beneath a sprawling old tree, far from the main path,